Obituary of Raymond Fred Nichols

Raymond Fred Nichols, “Ray” age 78.  from Colorado Springs, Colorado passed away with family by his side at UC Health Hospital Wednesday morning January 29, 2020.  He was born Wednesday September 3, 1941 in Lee, NY to the late Leroy and Lois Nichols (Norton). Ray is survived by his wife Hedwig Nichols (Scheller).  They were married in Landstuhl Germany April 10, 1962. They have been married for 58 years and 3 children were born from this union. The oldest Brenda (Zarbock) and her husband Tim and their dogs Ava and Rocky from Chandler Arizona.  Lucy (Wilson) and her husband Jamie and their 4 children Cassandra, Dustin, Nicholas, and Emily from Widefield, Colorado. Raymond Nichols and his wife Elizabeth and their 2 children Trevor and Tucker from Dothan, Alabama.

Ray came from a family of 6 siblings Sonny Nichols, Joyce Wheeler, Lois Nichols, Peggy Kuczmynda, Edith Boyle, Dot Clark that live in Brockport NY. He is survived by his 3 sisters Edith Boyle, Dot Clark and Joyce wheeler.

 

The Broken Chain

 

We little knew that morning

That God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly

In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you

You did not go alone.

For part of us went with you

The day God called you home.

You left us precious memories

Your love is still our guide.

And though we cannot see you

You are always by our side.

Our family chain is broken

And nothing seems the same.

But as God calls us one by one

The chain will link again.

 

Ray entered the United States Army at age 17 in Buffalo, NY on September 18, 1958 during the Vietnam war.  He was an infantryman for 22 years and retired a first sergeant.  He was awarded the Silver Star; Bronze Star; 2 Purple hearts; National defense service medal; 6 Good Conduct Medals; Army Recruiter Badge; Army Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. Vietnam Service Medal with 5 Bronze Service Stars; Vietnam campaign Medal; Vietnam cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star Medal.  He retired from the Army in Fort Carson Colorado July 1, 1981.  After the military he became a real estate agent in Colorado Springs for 22 years at Fort Carson Reality (Barb and Bob Repschlaeger) before retiring by Fort Carson Colorado.

Ray and Heidi fell in love with Colorado Springs.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman, he loved the outdoors and loved spending time with his grandchildren.  His family was always the center of his life. Ray was always willing to help anyone in need without asking for anything in return. Ray loved making his own Deer jerky and every year got better. He made sure this recipe was passed on to his family. Ray was a leader of men, teacher to all, and a great husband and father.  He will be truly missed.

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